Heart & Soul ranks community projects

     It was time to narrow down the list of projects that would have the greatest community impact and best feasibility options during the Dec. 1 Monticello Heart & Soul Planning Retreat (part two).

     The event, with a couple dozen on hand, met at the Jones County Youth Development Center in Monticello.

     After an 18-month process involving community research, dozens of interviews, and collecting hundreds of surveys, Monticello Heart & Soul identified multiple options as potential projects that could help strengthen the community. Attendees at the Dec. 1 event then voted on these options, ranking them between 1-4. A 1 meant low impact and low feasibility. A 2 meant low impact and high feasibility. A 3 meant high impact and low feasibility. A 4 meant high impact and high feasibility.

     • Compile information regarding vacant storefronts including owner contact details, square footage, rental costs, utilities, etc. (2.79)

     • Develop a welcome wagon program to create a feeling of welcome to community newcomers. (2.87)

     • Reevaluate the town’s streetlights to help ensure safety. (2.17)

     • Reinstate the Uptown Friday Nights with a street dance/block party near or at the Pocket Park for the summer months. (3.09)

     • Create a trail using existing city and school parks. (3.17)

     • Develop a plan for a quality city daycare program. (2.83)

     • Give tours of vacant storefronts to showcase opportunities to entrepreneurs and developers. (2.71)

     • Install video/surveillance cameras in high risk areas and include signage that notifies the public they’re on camera. (2.08)

     • Develop training opportunities to educate small, locally owned businesses about using digital technology to create multiple sources of revenue and marketing opportunities. (2.50)

     • Create a buddy program for new residents and hires to the community to assist in building friendships and feeling of belonging right away. (2.50)

     • Create a trail following the Maquoketa River connecting the Mon Maq Dam with Pictured Rocks with a plan to attract businesses like outfitters, lodging, etc. (3.25)

     • Begin an interdenominational program of youth sports activities. (1.83)

     • Work with local businesses to expand hours so that many commuters and full-day workers have an opportunity to shop locally. (2.33)

     • Create opportunities to increase the use of the Pocket Park by businesses and community groups. (3.04)

     • Implement a child identification program in conjunction with the police department or community organizations. (2.54)

     • Create a plan to secure funding to beautify the downtown business area with façade updates, signage, etc. (2.92)

     • Work with local officials to enforce city ordinances that ensure properties are maintained appropriately. (2.62)

     • Utilize existing rural/gravel roads to create a designated trail around the periphery of Monticello. (2.75)

     • Create a series of block parties to connect neighbors with neighbors, organizations, and opportunities in the community. (2.88)

     • Create educational tools and program to inform business owners and entrepreneurs about tax incentives and low interest loans for new business ventures. (2.68)

     • Build a trail that connects communities along Highway 151. (3.08)

     • Organize a broad-based group to promote a bond issue for new school facilities. (3.38)

     • Implement a community festival, an idea that is special to Monticello. (2.85)

     “All of these statements reflect what the community as a whole has said about what’s important to them,” explained Jason Neises, the community development coordinator with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

     After going through the statements, those present wrote out action plans to aid in potentially carrying out the plans. They included such information as target audience, potential stakeholders, and how to address any constraints.

     The three major areas of interest in developing action plans included: welcome wagon/buddy system, Pocket Park, daycare, downtown businesses, the bond issue, and trails.

     Each idea was also then linked to one of five Heart & Soul value statements: Local Business, Recreation, Small Town Feel, Customer Service, and Faith, Educational, and Cultural Opportunities.

     “Heart & Soul is a set of tools for people with common interests,” explained Jean Sullivan, Monticello Heart & Soul coordinator. “It’s a set of priorities based on what matters most.”

     To stay connect with Heart & Soul, contact Sullivan at heartandsoulmonticello@gmail.com.